Broncos' Darian Stewart fined $24,309 for hit on Amari Cooper

Broncos safety Darian Stewart has been fined $24,309 for a hit on Raiders receiver Amari Cooper in Week 12, according to KUSA-TV’s Mike Klis. The hit knocked Cooper out of the game with a concussion and the receiver has not yet returned to practice this week.

After the game, Raiders coach Jack Del Rio called the hit “vicious” and said Stewart “clearly” targeting the head of a defenseless player. Broncos coach Vance Joseph did not appreciate those remarks.

“As a coach, when things happen on the field you have to go back and watch the tape before you make comments like that,” Joseph said Monday.

Del Rio seemingly agreed, easing up with his follow-up comments one day after the game.

“I think Amari did duck his head as the guy was approaching,” Del Rio said, according to Raiders Wire. “That makes it a little harder on the defender. That was probably the one piece that I didn’t have access to prior to that comment. The reality is, it’s harder to be a defensive guy when the offensive guy is ducking his head. That makes it a little more complicated.”

Cooper caught a nine-yard touchdown pass before leaving Sunday’s game. Stewart recorded six tackles in a 21-14 loss to Oakland.